iPad 5 Set for October Debut with Design Similar to iPad Mini? iPhone 5S and Lower-Cost iPhone Moving Forward

iLounge‘s Jeremy Horwitz has filed a new report offering a few new details on the fifth-generation iPad, as well as on Apple’s work toward future iPhone models.

Most notably, Horwitz says that he has inspected what is said to be a shell designed for the fifth-generation iPad, and that the device will adopt many of the features seen in the iPad mini’s design.

What does it look like? Well, it’s a lot smaller than one would guess was possible: in portrait orientation, picture a 9.7” screen with virtually no left or right bezels, and only enough space above and below the screen to accommodate the mandatory camera and Home Button elements. Beyond that, it’s noticeably thinner, as well, which is to say the the fifth-generation iPad will be smaller in every dimension than its predecessors. As it will have the same chamfered edges and curves, calling it a “stretched iPad mini” is very close to entirely accurate.

The report notes that the upcoming iPad is so much smaller and thinner than the current design that it seems to require a complete redesign of the interior, likely including a shift in display technology to IGZO panels and smaller chip components.

Horwitz says that while Apple had originally hoped to push the fifth-generation iPad out in March, it now appears that an October launch is more likely, perhaps due to issues with component yields.

On the topic of the iPhone, Horwitz says that the iPhone 5S will unsurprisingly appear nearly identical to the iPhone 5, although it will have a slightly larger rear flash. The rumored lower-cost iPhone with a plastic shell is indeed said to be in Apple’s plans for 2013, with a focus on China Mobile as Apple seeks to lower the cost of entry for the world’s largest carrier.

Finally, Horwitz says that the rumored “iPhone Math” is indeed in development, but that it will not be appearing this year, if ever.

Addressing the so-called “iPhone Math”—hinted by one source as a mistranslation of “iPhone +”—we’ve been told that this is another new model and in early prototyping stages, certainly not expected in 2013. It supposedly has a 4.7” screen, at least for the time being. It might never make it to market, and plenty could change before it does. Consider it Apple’s “just in case / Plan B” hedge against ever-growing Android phone screen sizes.

Horwitz has shared fairly accurate information on Apple’s product plans several times in the past, suggesting that he does indeed have reliable sources with access to Apple’s supply chain.

Focus on improving iOS.

I’m more interested in iOS7

Of course there will be a bigger iPhone. Apple didn’t even want a 4 inch screen, but they were pushed by the market. Just put an iPhone 4 next to the current batch of high end Android phones and see how pathetic that screen size holds next to those gorgeous 4.7-4.8 screens. Keeping 3.5 inches would have been a complete joke. So 4 inches they went. Apple even had to saturate the colors on the iPhone 5 screen from previous screens just to show better on the sales floor against the vibrant SuperAmoled Screens. On the sales floor, the vibrant colors of the SuperAmoled just pop and look amazing. Nobody is doing any major photo editing on their puny 3.5-4 inch skinny smartphone screen to require accurate colors.Tim believes they have the perfect screen size at 4 inches. So what does that mean for all those past years at 3.5 inches they they also professed was the perfect size. What a joke.

Perhaps apple doesn’t always go out and put the latest screen, or what have you, in it’s products is because they have price targets to meet and profit margins to maintain. If Apple put in a large screen, do you still think it could be sold for $ 600 or $ 200 with contract?

I personally like the form factor. It fits my hands and into my pocket nicely.

I don’t believe the smaller bezel rumor. The full size iPad needs places where you can hold it.

If they aren’t releasing new iPads until October, I have to imagine the iPhone would be in the summer otherwise it’s going to be a boring first couple of quarters for not only customers, but investors as well.

On the topic of the iPhone, Horwitz says that the iPhone 5S will unsurprisingly appear nearly identical to the iPhone 5, although it will have a slightly larger rear flash.

[Rushes to nearest Apple Store to be first in line for “breakthrough” iPhone 5S]

If something were coming in March, wouldn’t we be seeing leaked parts by now? Or would it still be too soon?

iPad 5 on order now!!!

Or whenever it’s released.

Of course there will be a bigger iPhone. Apple didn’t even want a 4 inch screen, but they were pushed by the market. Just put an iPhone 4 next to the current batch of high end Android phones and see how pathetic that screen size holds next to those gorgeous 4.7-4.8 screens. Keeping 3.5 inches would have been a complete joke. So 4 inches they went. Apple even had to saturate the colors on the iPhone 5 screen from previous screens just to show better on the sales floor against the vibrant SuperAmoled Screens. On the sales floor, the vibrant colors of the SuperAmoled just pop and look amazing. Nobody is doing any major photo editing on their puny 3.5-4 inch skinny smartphone screen to require accurate colors.Tim believes they have the perfect screen size at 4 inches. So what about all those past years at 3.5 inches which they professed was the perfect size. What a joke.

I was showing an app to someone on my 5th gen iPod recently. Afterward the guy remarked, do you have problems reading things on that small screen? Taken aback I said defensively that I also have a bigger screen (thinking about my iPad 4), but no this is fine.

As I thought about it later and hear about rumored Samsung 6 inch screens, I realize that Apple is sort of holding us back. We love Apple products so much and with good reason. But Apple can be slow to respond or change according to people’s or the market’s preferences. I understand that’s part of their business model. But once in a while reality hits you with a certain poignancy.

A lightweight iPad 5 versus a iPad mini Retina is going to be a tough choice. I have a mini now and love it, letting my girlfriend borrow my iPad 3. I vastly prefer the mini for its size and most of all weight, but I definitely miss the retina screen.

Who knows, maybe for once I’ll actually skip the next generation of iPads. If the next mini doesn’t have retina, can’t see a big reason to upgrade.